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May 29, 2017

Have you ever been stuck in a pit of negative thinking and couldn't force yourself to change your thinking pattern? I have! In her new book, Unsinkable Faith, Tracie Miles gives us the reassurance that we are not alone. When life happens, and brings us the not so pleasant circumstances that are beyond our control, we can easily become consumed with negative thoughts. The more we think, the more negative our thoughts become. The enemy of our souls will play games in our minds that can lead us to anger, frustration, anxiety, and even depression. The lower we become, the more Satan enjoys our despair. But when we take all of those negative thoughts captive, and turn them over to Jesus, He will replace them with His beautiful truths.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Our negative thoughts, attitudes and mindsets can dictate our lives if we are not aware of something that is causing us to sink into the pit of negativity. No matter how small the issue is, it can become overwhelming when we allow it to slowly build up, and turn us into bitter, negative people. Something as small as struggling to learn a new job, and having a hard time adapting to your surroundings can bombard our life, if we aren't careful. I had this very thing happen. I was miserable at my job, struggling to learn factory work, and didn't realize how my negative attitude and my bitterness was affecting my relationship with my co-workers. One day I realized there was one person who totally could not stand to be around me, and she made it no secret. I couldn't figure out why she treated me so badly. I began praying about our relationship, and God revealed to me that I needed to take a look at my own negativity and learn how to let Him transform my way of thinking towards my job. Once I gave it to Him, this person changed her behavior towards me and became one of my closest friends. You can read more of my story in Chapter 6, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, beginning on page 121, in Unsinkable Faith.

"Understanding how our minds are transformed isn't enough. Every day we need to refuse to let sinking thoughts enslave us and commit to keep rowing our boats." - Tracie Miles

There was a time in my life that I was consumed with fear, regret, shame, misery, and feelings of worthlessness. The reason for my feelings was due to the life I was living. I was living with a man who was not only a raging alcoholic, but he was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive. I did not know Jesus back then. My life became so out of control that I was making one bad choice after another. My self-esteem was so low, and I was masking my pain with medication. I didn't want anyone to know what was happening behind closed doors. I didn't want everyone else to think I was the failure he had me convinced I was. Finally it became too much, and I knew if I didn't get out of the situation my life would never get better. I sought out counseling and shelter, and as my heart and my self-esteem began to heal, I began searching for God. Even though I had a godly counselor who was absolutely amazing, I knew that only Someone greater than she or myself could do that kind of healing in my broken and battered soul. You can read all about my story in Chapter 8 of Unsinkable Faith, Diane's Story, (the author used my middle name).

The water rose over my head, and I cried out, "This is the end!"But I called on your name, LORD, from deep within the pit,You heard me when I cried, "Listen to my pleading!Hear my cry for help!" Yes, you came when I called; you told me,"Do not fear." (Lamentations 3:54-57)

Tracie has such a beautiful heart for helping women who need to be drawn closer to God. In Unsinkable Faith, she tells stories of her own life, and from the lives of several other women who have been stuck in the storm of negativity, feeling like they are about to sink. Tracie points us towards scripture that shows us how to be the Captain of our own ship by clinging to God's word, and allowing Him to transform our thoughts and our feelings to His truth's. He will rescue us from the raging sea, and guide us to the beautiful shore, allowing us to live our lives filled with Unsinkable Faith!

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

At the end of each chapter, you will find Mind Transforming Reflections, Mind Renewing Memory Verses, and a Chapter Challenge. There is also a Companion Study Guide & Journal to go along with this book that is filled with questions, and places for you to journal and sketch if you desire. The Study Guide is a great way to allow yourself to go deeper in your study.

This book would be a great book for group Bible Studies, or a study to do on your own. No matter how you choose to use it, I highly recommend this book to all! This is a book I will not put on a shelf, or in the closet, I will be referring to Unsinkable Faith often. I give Tracie Miles and Unsinkable Faith 5 Stars!

**I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest, personal opinion.**